The Ashanti Region recorded 351 breast cancer cases in 2025 against 561 in 2024, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Fred Adomako-Boateng, has said.
Similarly, in 2023, the region recorded 292 cases and 234 in 2022.
“While improvements in detection and reporting may contribute to increases in recorded cases, these figures reinforce the need for sustained investment in prevention, early detection, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment,” he said.
Awareness month
Dr Adomako-Boateng disclosed this while addressing the regional launch of the breast cancer awareness month in Kumasi on the theme: “Early Action, Better Outcome.”
He said the outcome of breast cancer was influenced not only by the disease itself, but by how early it is recognised, how quickly a diagnosis is established and how promptly appropriate treatment is initiated.
He stated that a breast abnormality identified early provided an opportunity for timely assessment, early diagnosis and effective treatment. Effective treatment, particularly when disease is detected before it has advanced or spread, offers a much greater prospect of survival and quality of life.
Statistics
The latest estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer indicate that approximately 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally in 2024, with about 694,000 deaths recorded from the disease.
This makes breast cancer the second most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, after lung cancer. It remains by far the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and also the leading cause of cancer death among women globally.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, breast cancer has the highest prevalence among all cancers, with 133,520 cases reported in 2022, leading to 68,036 deaths, representing a mortality rate of 50.96 per cent. The five-year prevalence rate stands at 54.5 per 100,000 people (GLOBOCAN, 2022)
According to GLOBOCAN 2022, Ghana recorded an estimated 5,026 new cases of breast cancer among women, with 2,369 deaths, contributing to 47.15 per cent of female cancer-related deaths.
Current national estimates indicate approximately 5,487 new cases and over 2,000 deaths annually.
Alarmingly, over 80 per cent of cases in Ghana are diagnosed at advanced stages three and four, contrary to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Breast Cancer Initiative’s early detection target of 60-60-80 pillars.
Risk factors
He said there was no single cause of breast cancer and in many women, no specific risk factor can be identified and stressed that while some risk factors were beyond their control, others could be managed.
“Age remains one of the strongest risk factors, with the likelihood of developing breast cancer generally increasing as women grow older.
Other factors include a family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer in a first-degree relative, certain inherited genetic mutations such as previous breast cancer, hormonal therapy or prolonged use of oral contraceptives, among others,” he said.
He said breast cancer was preventable and treatable, especially when detected early and called for regular breast examinations, reporting of unusual changes, reduced alcohol intake and stopping smoking.
Meaningful investment
Dr Adomako-Boateng expressed appreciation to Jhpiego and the Pfizer Foundation for their invaluable support in implementing the BEAT Breast Cancer Project in the region in a bid to deal with the disease.
“Your contribution goes beyond financial assistance as it represents a meaningful investment in the well-being of Ghanaian women and their families,” he said.
He stressed, “through your partnership, we are enhancing the skills of health professionals, promoting community awareness and bringing essential breast health services closer to those who need them most”.
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